FISHERMEN have been warned against diving alone at sea after a man survived a shark attack on Saturday.

Etuate Caucau was spearfishing with a group of friends in waters off Malake Island when he was bitten by a shark.

The 27-year old was rushed to the Rakiraki Hospital for treatment and was released after treatment for minor wounds.

Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri advised fishermen to go out in numbers for their own safety.

While shark attacks in Malake waters are a rarity, Inspector Sokomuri said anyone entering the sea, anywhere in the country, for any purpose, should be vigilant at all times.

"Mr Caucau is lucky he was not alone when the incident occurred. This is a warning to anyone entering the sea ù whether for fishing, swimming or exploring. Please do not enter the sea alone and use extra caution while in the sea because sharks and other predatory sea creatures can attack at any time. If you see anything suspicious, get out of the water immediately and warn others in the area," he said. This is the second attack of this type in the Western Division in recent times.

Spanish tourist Jordi Gracia was bitten while taking surfing lessons in waters off Kulukulu settlement in Sigatoka in December last year.